Patients to receive help with medication

Half of all people prescribed medicine at Blackpool Victoria Hospital are not taking it as they should, it was claimed.

Hospital pharmacist Alan Boomer, also said evidence showed just 16 per cent take new medicine as prescribed, experience no side effects, and get as much information as they believe they need.

Many patients even see their conditions get worse after they leave hospital because they struggle to use their medicines, reports suggest.

But they are now set to benefit from a new scheme launched to make sure people get the best use out of their prescription drugs.

Mr Boomer said: “By increasing patients’ contact with their community pharmacist we will help improve patients’ understanding and knowledge of their medication, improve medication optimisation, and reduce health inequalities and medicine wastage.

“Through improved access to these services patients will be less likely to be readmitted to hospital due to an adverse event such as a side effect to a newly prescribed medicine or not taking their medicines as prescribed.

“The service will support the reduction of A&E attendances, hospital admissions and readmissions.’’

Hospital pharmacists are now referring eligible patients for a review at local pharmacies taking part in the scheme.

Dr Amanda Doyle, chief clinical officer at Blackpool CCG said: “This is an important service aimed at patients who would benefit from support with their medication following a hospital stay, to help them manage their health.”